The only way to really know a city is to explore it bit by bit

The truth is, I was disappointed the first time I visited Paris. At the time, I was 18 and studying in London. I had grand hopes and an itinerary that included going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and being kissed by the American frat boy I fancied under the Arc de Triomphe and a twinkling night sky. But as it often happens, trips don’t turn out as planned. When I actually got to Paris, it was grey and cold and gloomy; the top of the Eiffel Tower was so windy and barricaded that it felt nothing like the movies. And the American frat boy, well, he didn’t get the memo either. Most of all, every place I went to, I had the unsettling feeling of having seen before—in a film, on a postcard or on the Internet. I didn’t know then that the secret to falling in love with a city often lies in avoiding the tourist traps (or at least racing through them), instead letting yourself get lost and allowing yourself to discover unexpected things. The only way to really know a city is to explore it bit by bit, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, until you find a spot where you feel you belong—and then that strange mix of foreign and familiar feels a bit like an adrenaline shot: heady, intoxicating and, possibly, addictive.

It wasn’t until a few years later, when I returned to Paris for work, that I understood what all the fuss was about. It was the sunny afternoon I spent wandering around the Marais, trying on dress after dress, my entire fashion sensibility turned on its head, that did it: I was going to be chic from then on, not girlie; I would forgo the blow-dries and embrace my wavy hair; I would stop cooking and eat only fresh, raw produce, with heaps of lemon juice or Nutella or shaved truffle. This is the effect Paris can have on your soul—and your style. Our guide to shopping in Paris lists the 100 places you need to know about in this magnificent city. Come on, fall in love a little this summer.

Another note must be made of Jasreen Mayal Khanna’s compilation of the best high-street labels around the world. I’ve been calling this story ‘There’s more to life than Zara’ for obvious reasons: of course, we love our luxury, but a girl needs a big wardrobe, and these brands are the best way to build yours. They are fashionable, affordable and, best of all, will never lead to that awkward situation of running into someone at a party or parlour wearing the same thing. Go forth, shoppers.

Finally, check out our all-new, fabulously cool www.cntraveller.in. It’s full of wonderful feature stories (most not found in the magazine) and useful information to help you plan your trips. (It also looks great on your phone and iPad, so surf away when you’re stuck in traffic.) And if, like me, you travel in your mind every day, you’ll also want to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for daily deals, news updates and exclusive stories. No matter where you’re headed this summer, you’ll find answers to your questions here.

Divia Thani Daswani is the editor of Condé Nast Traveller India. Follow her on Twitter @diviathani